Florida Health Care Association News

Florida Health Care Association mourns loss of quality care advocate Koko Okano

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has announced the passing of Koko Okano, a former Quality Improvement & Research Analyst, who contributed over 25 years to enhancing long-term care in Florida.

Veterans honored with flights by Florida Health Care Association and Dream Flights

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) collaborated with Dream Flights in Tallahassee to offer local veterans complimentary flights in restored World War II-era biplanes.

FHCA reveals 2025 Florida Leaders class for long-term care professionals

Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has announced the members of its 2025 Florida Leaders class.

Florida Health Care Association honors senior veterans with historic biplane flights

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) collaborated with Dream Flights to honor seven veterans in Miami by providing them with complimentary flights in restored World War II-era biplanes.

Florida health official awarded Champion for the Elderly Award

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has honored Deputy Secretary Kim Smoak of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) with the 2024 Champion for the Elderly Award.

Florida Health Care Association prepares for Hurricane Milton

As Hurricane Milton approaches, the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents and staff at its member nursing centers and assisted living facilities. Emmett Reed, CEO of FHCA, stated that these facilities are coordinating with local authorities to prepare for the storm. They are ready to either evacuate or shelter in place as necessary.

Florida Health Care Association sets up Hurricane Helene Relief Fund for caregivers

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has initiated a Hurricane Helene Relief Fund to support caregivers working in the association's member nursing centers and assisted living facilities. This fund aims to assist employees impacted by the hurricane and aid in their recovery efforts.

FHCA activates emergency response plans as Tropical Storm Helene nears

As Tropical Storm Helene approaches Florida's coast, the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has reassured residents that its members are actively implementing emergency response plans to protect vulnerable populations.

FHCA announces 2025 class for executive nurse leadership academy

Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) announced the 2025 Class of the Executive Nurse Leadership Academy. The program is designed to assist nurses working in Florida’s skilled nursing centers in advancing their careers and maintaining high-quality care for elderly and disabled residents. A select group of rising nurse leaders from across the state will participate in a three-day intensive training, informative webinars, resource tools, and networking opportunities.

FHCA celebrates National Assisted Living Week honoring exceptional caregivers

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) is celebrating National Assisted Living Week from September 8 to 14, with this year’s theme being “Inspiring Generations.” Throughout the week, FHCA will highlight caregivers who go above and beyond on social media in recognition of the national observance, which begins each year on National Grandparents’ Day.

Julie Morris elected president of Florida Health Care Association

Florida Health Care Association (FHCA), the state’s largest advocacy organization representing over 700 long-term care facilities and more than 1,000 professional members, has elected Julie Morris of New Smyrna Beach as President. Morris is Vice President of Operations for Aston Health, which manages 47 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities across Florida. As President, she will lead the Association’s 30-member Board of Directors and focus on strengthening partnerships across the continuum of care, growing the next generation of long-term care professionals, and...

FHCA CEO Emmett Reed receives prestigious Walter M. Johnson Jr. award

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has honored its Chief Executive Officer, Emmett Reed, with the 2024 Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award at the Association’s Annual Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida.

Florida Healthcare Association honors leaders improving long-term care quality

The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) recently honored the 2024 Long Term Care Achievement award winners during its Annual Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. FHCA's annual Long Term Care Achievement Awards recognize exemplary contributions from long-term care leaders and volunteers who demonstrate a commitment to quality care through their dedication to residents, staff, and the profession.

Florida Health Care Association awards nearly $70K scholarships for long-term caregivers

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) announced that 29 long-term care employees across Florida have been awarded $69,500 in scholarships to advance their careers in healthcare. FHCA will award four caregivers each a $5,000 Bruce Taylor Scholarship to advance their nursing careers; 12 long-term care employees will each receive a $2,500 Career Climb Scholarship, and 13 nursing home Administrators in Training (AIT) have earned a $1,500 Rising Long Term Care Leader Scholarship to support their goals of becoming licensed Nursing Home Administrators (NHA).

Florida recognizes nine long-term care providers with national quality awards

Nine long-term care providers recognized for demonstrating outstanding performance and quality outcomes

Fred Taylor named DELP scholar by American Health Care Association

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Experienced nursing home administrator, Purple Heart Veteran, and Florida Health Care Association member Frederick Taylor has been selected for the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). Taylor is one of 15 DELP scholars chosen nationwide to participate in the program designed to cultivate a diverse group of leaders equipped to take on significant roles within the long-term care profession.

FHCA praises DeSantis' budget for increased Medicaid funding

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today commended Governor Ron DeSantis for signing the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, which includes a significant Medicaid funding increase to help nursing centers continue advancing quality care through a strengthened workforce.

Patricia Spears named future leader by national healthcare association

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) has announced that FHCA Secretary Patricia Spears, who also serves as the Florida Regional Administrator and Government Affairs Director with Topaz Fiscal Services, has been selected by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a future leader in long-term and post-acute care. Spears is among 39 individuals nationwide chosen to participate in AHCA/NCAL’s Future Leaders program, which offers year-long training and mentorship for professionals in these fields.

Florida health professionals urge Congress: protect seniors' access amid staffing mandates

Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) joined over 600 long-term and post-acute care professionals from across the nation for the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living’s (AHCA/NCAL) Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C. The annual event allowed advocates to meet with Members of Congress to discuss legislative priorities impacting residents in Florida.

FHCA recognizes 45 nursing centers for bronze national quality award

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has announced the recipients of the 2024 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. Florida leads the nation with 45 skilled nursing centers earning this distinction.